
Carkeek Park
A 220-acre Seattle park with forests, wetlands, beaches, and stunning Puget Sound & Olympic Mountain views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Carkeek Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, golden hour light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 220-acre Seattle park with forests, wetlands, beaches, and stunning Puget Sound & Olympic Mountain views.
"A hidden gem offering breathtaking views, lush trails, and unique train watching opportunities."

👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Some trails can get wet from creek overflow, especially in certain seasons. Waterproof shoes are a good idea .
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
The Piper's Creek Trail has many offshoots for a more adventurous hike .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puget Sound Beach
South end of the park
Stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, with train watching opportunities.

Piper's Creek Trail
Forest and wetland areas
A peaceful, well-maintained trail with offshoots, leading through woods to the beach.

Train Watching Bridge
Over the railroad tracks
Unique vantage point to watch trains pass with the Puget Sound as a backdrop.

Historic Orchard
Central park area
Seattle's oldest orchard, offering a glimpse into the region's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors: What to Pack
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Some trails can get wet from creek overflow, especially in certain seasons. Waterproof shoes are a good idea.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
The Piper's Creek Trail has many offshoots for a more adventurous hike.
🚂 Catch a Train
The pedestrian bridge offers a unique spot to watch trains with a scenic view.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Designated picnic areas and open fields make it ideal for a relaxing meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Waterproof Footwear Recommended
Some trails can get wet from creek overflow, especially in certain seasons. Waterproof shoes are a good idea.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
The Piper's Creek Trail has many offshoots for a more adventurous hike.
🚂 Catch a Train
The pedestrian bridge offers a unique spot to watch trains with a scenic view.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Designated picnic areas and open fields make it ideal for a relaxing meal.
🌊 Beachcombing & Views
Enjoy the beach, tidepools, and breathtaking views of the Olympics.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carkeek Park is widely praised as a hidden gem offering stunning Puget Sound and Olympic Mountain views, diverse trails, and unique features like train watching. Visitors appreciate its blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities, making it ideal for families and nature lovers. Some minor trail dampness can occur seasonally.
"🚶🏽♀️➡️Nice and easy walking trail (Piper's Creek Trail) with plenty of offshoots to make your adventure feel like more of a hike if you'd like. It's beautiful and peaceful, and I loved that there's an orchard in the middle. I love these types of trails where you can walk through a beautiful wooded area and end up at a beach.
🅿️🚗There's also plenty of parking if you drive past the visitor's center and into the park.
🥾🌊Special note that this time of year, some parts of the trail have some overflow from the creek so bring waterproof shoes."
shortcake SS
"Many things to do: enjoying the grassy areas, enjoying the beach, hiking through the wetlands.
Some of the most spectacular views one can find in the Northwest of the Puget sound with the Olympics in the background!"
leo jaeger
"One of many parks throughout Seattle. This park is on the north end of town along the sound. It’s a beautiful park with several miles of walking trails, picnic areas, sitting benches and the beach."
Kim Brownlee Personal Trainer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carkeek Park is located in north Seattle. Driving is the most common way to access it, with ample parking available, especially if you drive past the visitor's center.
Public transportation options are also available, though may require transfers. Check King County Metro for routes and schedules.Yes, Carkeek Park offers plenty of parking. Visitors have noted that driving further into the park past the visitor's center often yields more available spots.
During specific low tide periods, it's possible to walk along the shore between Golden Gardens and Carkeek Park. This is more feasible during minus tides or when the tide is around 1.5 feet.
Carkeek Park is accessible via various routes depending on your starting point in Seattle. It's generally located off NW 100th Street. Using a GPS navigation app is recommended for the most direct route.
While direct routes might be limited, Carkeek Park can be reached using Seattle's public transportation system. It's advisable to check the King County Metro website or app for the most up-to-date bus routes and schedules that serve the park's vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Carkeek Park is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access. Enjoying the trails, beaches, and picnic areas is free.
Carkeek Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours can vary seasonally, so it's always a good idea to check the official Seattle Parks and Recreation website for the most current information.
No, tickets are not required for entry into Carkeek Park. It's a public space accessible to all visitors.
For general park use, no special permits are typically needed. However, if you plan to host a large event or use specific facilities for commercial purposes, you may need to contact Seattle Parks and Recreation for permit information.
Yes, Carkeek Park is usually open on holidays, operating under its standard dawn-to-dusk hours. It can be a great place to enjoy some outdoor time during holiday breaks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Piper's Creek Trail is a popular choice, offering a moderate hike through forests and wetlands.
Many offshoot trails allow for longer or shorter adventures. The park also features trails leading directly to the beach.Absolutely! Carkeek Park has numerous picnic areas and open fields, making it a perfect spot for gatherings or a relaxing meal outdoors.
You might spot beavers, ducks, and potentially seals or orcas in the Puget Sound. The park also hosts seasonal salmon runs in Piper's Creek.
Yes, Carkeek Park features a playground that is a hit with children, including an interactive play area and a Salmon Slide.
The park offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, especially from the beach and the train watching bridge.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach at sunset offers incredible opportunities with the Olympic Mountains as a backdrop.
The train bridge provides a unique perspective, and the forest trails offer lush greenery.Yes, Carkeek Park is renowned for its stunning sunset views over the Puget Sound, making it a prime location for photographers.
Carkeek Park is ideal for landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The combination of water, mountains, forests, and trains offers diverse subjects.
Definitely! The pedestrian bridge over the train tracks provides a fantastic and safe vantage point for photographing trains with the Puget Sound in the background.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always check with Seattle Parks and Recreation if you have specific commercial photography plans.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
📸 Photographers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Carkeek Park's Trails
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the trails offer some elevation gain, providing a good workout amidst nature. The blend of wooded paths and open meadows creates a dynamic hiking environment. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections can be damp, especially after rain or near the creek.
The Allure of Carkeek Park's Beach and Views
This combination of natural beauty and industrial elements creates a unique photographic opportunity. Visitors often rave about the spectacular sunsets that paint the sky over the water, making it a favorite spot for evening visits. During low tide, there's even a possibility of walking along the shore to connect with Golden Gardens Park.
Family Fun and Nature at Carkeek Park
Beyond the playground, the park's natural elements provide engaging experiences for younger visitors. The seasonal salmon runs in Piper's Creek and the fish integration system offer a chance to learn about local wildlife. Exploring the trails and discovering the historic orchard, planted by early European settlers, adds an educational layer to the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit